So what if there’s snow on the ground.
I have faith that spring will arrive on schedule and I’m planning my meals accordingly. That may be wishful thinking as I’m wearing fleece long underwear and sheepskin boots, but hey, a girl can dream. And what better way to feel light and springy than to eat light and springy food. Right?
* Make sure the rice paper you choose is gluten-free (unless you’re one of those wheat-eating people from that parallel universe). Rice paper can be found at Asian markets. This recipe is courtesy of the nice people at Driscoll’s Berries. They suggested peanuts, but I chose almonds.
Spring Rolls
12 rice-paper wrappers (8-inch round)
1 ½ pound sliced smoked turkey, cut into thin strips
2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and cut into strips
2 green onions cut into strips
2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 cup fresh mint leaves
2/3 cup almonds, chopped
Dipping Sauce
½ cup raspberries
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Dipping Sauce
Mash raspberries with a fork in a small bowl; stir in remaining ingredients.
To Assemble
Working with one sheet of rice paper at a time, dip sheet in bowl of hot water until softened, 20 to 25 seconds. Arrange one-twelfth of turkey horizontally in lower third of wrapper, leaving a 1-inch border on each end.
Top with one-twelfth of remaining ingredients; fold in ends and tightly roll up. Cover with damp paper towels. Repeat process. Cut rolls in half; arrange halves seam side down on serving plates. Serve with dipping sauce.
Makes 6 Servings (24 Rolls)
Wish for spring!
Melissa
Oh what! You’re crazy! Raspberries? Strawberries? Smoked turkey? This is crazy talk. But it sounds delicious.
These are so beautiful! And, the name is so cute. The next time I get rice flour at the Asian grocery, I’ll pick up some GF rice paper wrappers, too. BTW, did you know there are plants called turkey berries? I just looked them up and they only are supposed to be in FL it seems, but folks around here call certain plants turkey berry plants or turkey berries.
Shirley
Yum! This is one of those things you can do with rice paper - thanks for sharing!
Looking forward to raspberry season again - we just used the last of our frozen berries we harvested from last season.
Love the photo!
-Ali
TOO COOL! What a great recipe Melissa! We have snow on the ground still in Mass too. But at least I can make this and think of Spring
A nice combination Melissa, don’t often see smoked turkey in these parts, rice paper is great-so versatile. The dipping sauce has a fantastic colour, very vibrant.
Miles
Miles
Jill,
We eat turkey with cranberries, why not raspberries and strawberries?! It’s good, trust me.
Shirley,
Rice papers are a great GF way to make roll-up treats. There’s a really cool blog called whiteonricecouple and they have amazing rice paper spring rolls.
Liz,
Yes, they’re yummy and such easy little treats to make. Henry will love the turkey ones.
Ali,
Oh, you lucky girl. I need to figure out a local place for berries, I get everything else I could ask for from local farmers, but no berries. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for inspiring me.
Miles,
Wonder why? I love good smoked turkey. Yes, the dipping sauce is great. Good for salad dressing too.
I thought smoked turkey (lunchmeat, right?) had gluten in it. I’m new to the gluten free world though and would love some feedback on which turkey to buy. Thanks. The recipe looks lovely!
JennC,
VERY good question and I’m glad you asked. Yes, many lunch meats DO contain gluten. You absolutely have to know your products. I use APPLEGATE FARMS ORGANIC SMOKED TURKEY BREAST. Applegate Farms smoked turkey breast is organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and casein-free. They also are certified humane, meaning they raise and treat their animals with care. It’s good stuff, but always check the labels or call the company. Here’s Applegate Farm’s website:
http://www.applegatefarms.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?id=1700
Thanks for asking, I should have included that in my post!
The green onions in the basement greenhouse are about 4″ tall, and it won’t be long til the mint is taking over the flower bed again!
I’ve heard that Boar’s Head deli meats are gf.
Melissa!!
Back after a technology-related sabbatical.
Your rice-paper rolls look stunning and, would you believe, I actually have some sitting in my cupboard. (no cupboard photos this time) I think I’d have to substitute just about every other ingredient without going to the store, but there’s no reason I can’t get into your, ‘spring is coming,’ spirit.
Wow, I’ve got some GFFG catching up to do. All the very best.
GDave
Kay,
Can’t wait to see some photos. How’s the worm ranch?
You’d be so proud of me, I’m composting up a storm.
GDave,
You missed a whole post of Miles’ which was inspired by you! Actually, it was my photo, Miles’ blog, and your inspiration. I can’t remember why now, but somehow you were involved. We missed you.
As for the spring rolls, I imagine just about anything would work. Maybe not mac and cheese.
Welcome back from wherever you were.
Wow, that white on rice couple blog is cool! Of course, it didn’t hurt that I just went there and the current post was mandarin creme brulee (oh my!) and another recent post was on Curacao (a place we love visiting).
Thanks!
Shirley
Thanks Melissa, for clarifying the turkey source. I have been learning about gluten for about a month now (i’m really, really new to this) and suspect i’m intolerant. I look forward to learning more. Thanks for the good information and recipes!
Shirley,
Yes, I have followed their blog for a long time now and it’s delightful. Plus, they have awesome videos of how to prepare certain foods.
JennC,
No problem — thank you for stopping by. There is so much good information to sort through, you’ll be an old pro at this in no time. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to leave comments. I’m happy to help and I know Shirley (of glutenfreeeasily) will help you along the way as well.
Take care,
Melissa